Mayor Rahm Emanuel today decried the weekend violence that left at least nine people dead and at least 36 wounded in Chicago, calling for adults around the city to instill the right values in their children and to stand up for the safety of their neighborhoods.

Emanuel acknowledged the warm weather played a role in the spike in shootings as more people spent time outside over the weekend. But he said there are many things Chicagoans can do to counteract the violence.

"Every child deserves a childhood, regardless of where they live. But to do that, our city and community, the neighborhoods that make up this city, cannot live by a code of silence," Emanuel said at a news conference at an Edgewater school to announce more international baccalaureate programs. "They have to live by a moral code."

"Now I've read some of this, and I just want to say this, when some people go 'Well, it's the weather.' It's whether you have values," the mayor said. "Yes, weather's an impact. Where you put police is an impact. Whether you have summer jobs, after school programs, camps, summer reading programs. We have to do that and more."

Emanuel said he spoke to the parents of five children who were shot over the weekend, as is his custom, calling it the most difficult part of his job. "I want them to know that I love them, I care for them and their city cares for them, and we will be there as many tomorrows as it takes," he said.

The mayor also said he welcomes the new violent crimes section created by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Chicago to try to counteract the violence.

"When (U.S. Attorney Zachary Fardon) first came into office, this is exactly what we talked about," Emanuel said. "I don't know whether it means more resources, I don't know what it exactly is, but I'm pleased they're doing it."